March is poised to be a significant month for Apple enthusiasts, with a flurry of anticipated product launches and software updates on the horizon. Among the most eagerly awaited unveilings are the latest iterations of the MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air, all slated for release within the month. Building anticipation further, Apple recently issued a press release confirming the imminent arrival of iOS 17.4, adding to the excitement surrounding the tech giant’s upcoming offerings.
Let’s delve into what we can expect from Apple this March:
New Macs and iPads:
- iPad Air 12: Apple aficionados can look forward to the introduction of new MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air models, with industry insiders like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting a launch timeframe “around the end of March.”
The forthcoming MacBook Air updates are anticipated to include the deployment of the M3 chip across both the 13-inch and 15-inch models. This technological leap promises enhanced performance, with notable improvements such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing for elevated graphics rendering in gaming experiences.
While no radical design overhauls are predicted for the MacBook Air this year, consumers can anticipate added functionalities such as support for Wi-Fi 6E, aligning with the trajectory of other Mac devices.
It’s worth noting that Apple had previously updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro, 16-inch MacBook Pro, and 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip back in October 2023, setting a precedent for the forthcoming MacBook Air refresh.
As for the upcoming iPad Pro models, they are widely rumored to debut with vibrant OLED displays, marking a significant leap in display technology for the iPad lineup. Additional speculated features include the adoption of the M3 chip, MagSafe wireless charging capabilities, an enhanced Magic Keyboard boasting a larger trackpad and an aluminum top casing, and a repositioned front camera optimized for landscape orientation.
Accompanying the iPad Pro, a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air is expected to make its debut alongside an updated 10.9-inch variant. Among the anticipated features for the iPad Air are the integration of the M2 chip, a redesigned rear camera module, support for Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility.
iOS 17.4:
In a notable announcement, Apple confirmed the impending release of iOS 17.4 via a press release highlighting significant App Store modifications for the European Union (EU). Developers can explore these changes through the Apple Developer Support page and commence testing new functionalities within the iOS 17.4 beta, with a planned rollout to users across 27 EU countries slated for March 2024.
Beyond the EU-centric alterations, iOS 17.4 is poised to introduce several noteworthy features, including Apple Podcasts transcripts, SharePlay integration for HomePod, a fresh batch of emojis, and expanded utility for the Apple Cash card through the generation of virtual card numbers for enhanced website compatibility. Moreover, the update will lay the groundwork for the forthcoming launch of next-generation CarPlay later in the year.
Other Software Updates:
March will not only witness the debut of iOS 17.4 but also herald a slew of other software updates across Apple’s ecosystem. Anticipated releases include iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, and visionOS 1.1, further underscoring Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experiences across its diverse product range.
New iPhone Color?
A perennial source of excitement for Apple enthusiasts is the introduction of new iPhone colors, often timed around March or April, marking a mid-cycle refresh for the popular smartphone lineup.
Reflecting on past years:
- March 2023: Apple delighted consumers with the availability of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in a striking Yellow hue.
- March 2022: The tech giant introduced a vibrant Green color variant for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, alongside an elegant Alpine Green option for the iPhone 13 Pro models.
- April 2021: Apple expanded the color palette for the iPhone 12 series by introducing a captivating Purple variant for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini.
